Biodegradability and mechanical properties similar to those of human bone make magnesium a promising candidate for use in biomedical implant devices. For effective use of these alloys, it is necessary to focus not just on matching their mechanical properties to the requirements of the medical device, but to also understand their degradation behavior in specific physiological environments. Biodegradation is fundamentally linked to metal "corrosion". Corrosion depends on the interfacial dynamics between the material and its environment. Identification and understanding the biological and material factors that govern the corrosion kinetics and mechanisms are of prime importance to the successful development of biodegradable implants. In vitro corrosion studies are conducted by controlled exposure of alloys to solutions that closely mimic physiological conditions, and contain various inorganic and organic salts.  Corrosion products formed after in vitro tests are also composed of complex and various chemical compositions and crystal structures. Various parameters such as absorption of protein, flow induced shear stress, limited diffusion and stress affect the outcomes of the in vitro testing, just as they would in the in vivo environment. This can cause a disconnect in correlation between in vitro and in vivo testing. Thus, the various experimental factors for in vitro test should be carefully tuned to come up with results similar to in vivo testing. Dr. Jang’s presentation will focus on the understanding of biodegradation and corrosion products formed on the magnesium alloys under in vivo and various in vitro environments involving flow and diffusion dynamics, various biological relevant salts and mucin to mimic bone, blood vessel and airway environments.